Despite earlier voluntary departures and buyouts reducing staff by about 150,000, Trump and senior aides vowed more cuts
The Trump administration began laying off federal workers Friday as the government shutdown continued, fulfilling President Trump’s pledge to shrink the federal workforce.
White House budget director Russell Vought confirmed the “reductions-in-force” on X, saying they would be “substantial.”
The dismissals, reportedly affecting fewer than 16,000 employees, stem from the administration’s Project 2025 plan to streamline government.
Federal unions have filed lawsuits claiming the layoffs are illegal under the Antideficiency Act, which bars spending during a funding lapse.
Legal experts say the move violates federal rules, as a temporary shutdown doesn’t qualify as a “shortage of funds.”
Despite earlier voluntary departures and buyouts reducing staff by about 150,000, Trump and senior aides vowed more cuts.
Critics call the move “cruel,” warning it will deepen morale and staffing crises across key federal agencies.